Enthesitis and Enthesopathy

Enthesitis causes tenderness and pain near inflamed ligaments or tendons.

Enthesitis is inflammation of the entheses, the specific point where tendons or ligaments attach to bone. For example, Achilles tendinitis is a form of enthesitis. Plantar fasciitis is also a form of enthesitis.

Enthesopathy is abnormality of the entheses, the specific point where tendons or ligaments attach to bone. Enthesopathy can be caused by injury or diseases. When the problem affects one area of the body, it is likely to be caused by injury. When the problem affects multiple areas, then underlying disorders become more likely.

Enthesitis can be caused by gout, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (spondyloarthropathy), diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of enthesitis include localized pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling, and warmth in the area of the inflamed tendon or ligament.

The diagnosis of enthesitis is usually diagnosed clinically by simple examination by a health care professional. Radiologic testing can sometimes demonstrate calcification or spur formation in the area if the enthesitis is chronic. MRI scanning can highlight the inflamed tissues.

Enthesitis is treated by measures that decrease inflammation and pain. This includes rest from activity, cold application, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy is sometimes incorporated as part of the treatment regimen.

The prognosis of enthesitis depends on whether or not an injury caused it. Injuries, depending on the severity, can heal completely. Enthesitis that is caused by an inflammatory disease can be persistent but often resolves in response to treating the underlying disease.

Enthesitis that is caused by injury can be prevented by measures that avoid injury. Sometimes support braces can be helpful with certain athletic activity.